Advice on emailing current students in graduate programs I'm considering?

[JunebugLuvsYou]

Hi, friends! I'm a current undergrad starting applications to social psychology PhD programs in the Fall, and I was wondering if anyone here had any advice on cold emailing graduate students in the labs/under faculty I'm interested in! 

Grad apps feel really scary to me, so any kind and constructive feedback is greatly appreciated! XO!

[Sigaba]

I'd identify established grad students in the programs of interest -- post quals / ABD. Pre quals, grad students can run hot and cold on the whole enterprise and life in general.

I'd stick to a brief introduction and solicit the person's interest in answering a few "quick" questions. I'd make it clear that I'd done some leg work of my own.

I would consider the benefits of sending a physical note to the person care of the department.

Then, I'd manage my expectations.

IRT your anxiety, the process is stressful but do your best to focus on what you can control and leave aside what's beyond your power. For example, ask ASAP professors for LoRs, understand that they may not send them in until after the application deadline.